4 Things I Learned from the 40-Day Challenge

Thirty-eight days ago, I began a 40-day challenge. You can read more about the crazy idea here.

I’m two days away from the 13.1-mile adventure. I have a ton of questions running (pun intended) through my head.

Am I ready? Will I finish? If so, will it be a respectable time? Am I going to die? Would any anyone come scrap me off the road if I did?

I’m sure the questions and nerves will only grow over the next 48 hours. As my mind races toward to finish line (pun intended) of the 40-day challenge, I have tried to think about what this process taught me.

Here are 4 things that I learned on the 40-day challenge:

#1—I need more discipline.

I have some bad habits. I eat too much, and most of it is junk. My sleep schedule is way out of whack. I procrastinate on important projects and then panic when they have to be done at the last minute. This totally throws me off schedule and into bigger trouble. These issues were present before, but the 40-day challenge really exposed the problem. I’m not sure how I’m going to solve it, but I really need to do something.

#2—I need more excitement.

I am an adrenaline junkie. I love to take on big tasks just so I can feel the pressure and excitement. The nervous energy that I’m feeling right now is actually something I crave. I have a passion to feel like I’m teetering on the edge of failure or something great. The 40-Day Challenge has reminded me that I need to take risks and dream big ideas in other areas so that I can experience the same excitement and possibly accomplish great things.

#3—I need more support.

The last 38 days have been pretty brutal, especially on the few long runs I’ve made. The worst part about the training was doing it alone. I realized several times in the process that the training would be much easier and much more enjoyable if I was doing it with a partner or team. This easily translates into other areas of my life. I need to partner with others in ministry to make the task easier and more enjoyable.

(My wife has been a great support, even though she thinks I might die mid-way through the race. I love you, honey!)

#4—I need more challenges.

The 40-Day Challenge has taught me a lot about myself. It has helped me to see what I am capable and incapable of doing. The challenge may be a half marathon, but the training and lessons are much more about life than running. As I come to the end of the challenge, I’m really excited to think about what could be the next challenge. Will it be another physical challenge? Will it be a mental or spiritual challenge? I want to continue to push myself in these areas so that I can be a better ministry leader, better husband, and better disciple of Jesus Christ.

I can wait to post about the race experience–that is if I make it out alive! I will have 13.1 miles to think about what I’m doing, so I’m sure I’ll have something to say about it. If you would like to support the awesome cause of the race, Soaring Wings Ranch, please do so at the link below.